Cape Town, South Africa

About SEA

SEA offers students a unique experiential and transformative learning experience abroad by connecting career objectives with social justice. Our initiative is to explore social justice through solidarity, culture and spirituality. In addition, SEA aims to promote and support youth-run solidarity projects by providing logistical services, leadership training and project development. SEA is organized in partnership with the Faith & Life Centre at Brock University.

Our Projects

SEA projects abroad vary from country to country but will often fall into three main areas: health campaigns, education and renovations. Our priority is to respond to the needs of each community we encounter based on continual relationships with local foundations.

SEA Health & Education – Cape Town, South Africa

On this expedition, the intention is to offer international volunteers the opportunity to develop social justice projects in partnership with local community leaders. The projects and campaigns in which volunteers will be participating will occur in townships surrounding Cape Town, South Africa, mainly Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha.

Accommodations

Our group will be staying together on the same property at a retreat house in Cape Town. Local staff will cook and prepare our meals daily. Beds and bedding are provided. The house is fully equipped with bathrooms and showers with hot water. The building is surrounded by a security gate and is very safe.

Partner Organizations

Our local partners will be SHAWCO Health at the University of Cape Town and the Catholic Welfare and Development group.

Volunteer Placements

The majority of work will be carried out at a CWD Refugee shelter in Philippi. Many women and children who stay at the refugee center have migrated from other African countries to the north, such as the Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Our aim is to help these women ingrate into their new lives by improving their health and personal hygiene, and by educating them on how to best take care of their children and newborns. In addition, our long-term objective is to gradually improve the infrastructure of the center. Health professionals and students will also have the opportunity to participate in mobile medical campaigns with SHAWCO Health. UCT students run these campaigns in the townships surrounding Cape Town from Wednesday to Saturday in the evenings.

TIC Travel Insurance provides travel insurance to all participants who book their flights through SEA or SOL Travel. Please ask for more detailed information about what your insurance plan will cover.

Side Trip

For a greater cultural understanding of South Africa, the expedition includes side trips to Robbin Island and Table Mountain, and a day trip around the Cape of Good Hope. There is also an optional half-day Safari drive that can be arranged for an additional cost (typically around $90 USD which includes lunch).

Extras

Everything is included in the cost (meals, transportation, flights, accommodations, insurance, cultural outings), however you’ll want extra spending money for souvenirs, gifts or some unplanned food and drink while we’re out. Airport taxes, vaccinations and potential tourist visas are not covered by SEA. Please note Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to South Africa.